FAQs

What do you mean by emerging media?

The term “emerging media” reflects the accelerating pace of technological innovation in communication and communication platforms. There is always something new and this program, to a large extent, focuses on what is new. Of course, people adopt new communication technologies at different rates and sometimes stop using older technologies altogether. So the program explores new communication platforms, how and why people are using them and why people stop using older technology.

What kinds of practical skills will I learn through my participation in the program?

Students will learn how to assess the viability of new media as they emerge, identify meaningful trends, and develop and execute communication strategies to capitalize on new opportunities in a wide range of settings.

What kind of background do I need to apply?

The program is open to all college graduates. You do not have to have majored in communication or a related discipline as an undergraduate, nor do you need professional experience in a communication discipline.

What kinds of jobs am I likely to be qualified for as a result of taking the program?

Most organizations need to incorporate emerging media into their communication efforts sooner rather than later. This program is geared to people who manage or support communication programs in both corporate and nonprofit settings as well as people who work in traditional communication industries such as public relations, advertising, and journalism.

How many credits do I have to take?

The program consists of 33 credits: nine three-credit classes and a six-credit master's project.

How long do I have to complete the program?

A full-time student can complete the degree requirements in 12 months. The maximum time needed to complete the program is 44 months.

Since the classes are online, who will be my instructors?

All classes will be taught by regular university faculty. You will have an opportunity to interact with each professor individually in each class.

How big will the classes be?

Classes will ordinarily have a minimum of five to a maximum of 30 students.

Do I have to be on campus during the summer?

There are two required one-week (45 hours) classes held in the summer on Loyola’s Baltimore campus. You may take both courses in one summer or one course one summer and another the next.

How much technology do I need to own in order to participate in the program?

You will need an up-to-date computer running Windows or a Mac. You will also need access to a high-speed broadband Internet connection. Your computer must be audio-enabled (with a microphone) and we recommend, though it is not required, that you purchase a WebCam if one is not integrated into your computer already.

Will I need to purchase specialized computer software?

No. We use a course management program called Moodle, and your courses will be run in Moodle over the Web. You will need no additional software other than standard word processing, and perhaps presentation software.

What kind of tech support can I expect?

Online students receive the same tech support as residential students. Live tech support will be available from 7 a.m. Eastern time to 10 p.m. Eastern time (7 p.m. Pacific time).

What do you mean by “rolling admissions”?

We evaluate applications as they arrive and notify people of admission on an ongoing basis. When a class fills, admission for a qualified applicant is deferred to the next semester. We accept people to start the program in all three semesters—fall, spring, and summer.

What does the program cost?

The program costs $950 a credit. Most courses are three credits.

What kind of funding is available?

A small amount of scholarship money is available. Please refer to the financial aid website for more information. You may also contact Assistant Director of Graduate Admission and Financial Aid Danielle Ballantyne (dballantyne@loyola.edu) with specific questions.

If I have specific or personal questions to which I want answers, who should I contact?

You may contact the Program Director, Dr. Neil Alperstein (nalperstein@loyola.edu); The Communication Department Chair, Dr. Elliot King (eking@loyola.edu); Ms. Ronnie Gunnerson, the Director of Program Operations; or the Program Assistant, Ms. Erin Richardson (410-617-2528 or erichardson@loyola.edu)